For this week’s wedding Thursday I’d like to introduce you to Chantal Bennett and Joel Kimmel owners and designers of Papillon Press{illustrated letterpress invitations and stationary}. I met this soon to be married couple at the Wed by Hand wedding show in February. My husband and I had a table across from theirs and we couldn’t help but notice their custom woodworked sign hanging from their table. When I had a moment to spare I went over to see what they actually did. Man, their work was beautiful! So authentic and crisp. Joel told me that they will soon have some bamboo paper available, so I took one of their business cards. I was in the need of updated business cards and I wanted to work with them. Chantal and I came up with the idea of a business exchange, some of my jewellery for some custom business cards. As time was approaching an event that I needed some cards, I decided that maybe I should change the order to jewellery hang tags instead. I located a company in Canada that makes seed paper that when planted grows wildflowers. This was Papillon Press’s first time with seed paper and it’s now something that can be offered to clients as invitations, birth announcements etc.

Saturday was the LFO Tarts & Crafts sale that chelsy anne jewellery successfully participated in. There were many great vendors at the show. My husband supported four of them{to be blogged about later}. One vendor in particular left the scene a couple of hours early because they sold out of product. Three hundred cupcakes to be exact. Three Cheers Cupcakes is who I am talking about. My husband is so funny about this situation with these two girls Dee & Kristin…

Here’s what happened; Shaun noticed that there were cupcakes a few tables down from our set up so he was hungry for chocolate. This is the first time I have ever seen him buy a cupcake {he was hungry!}. As he was walking back to me he was literally freaking out about how this was the best chocolate cupcake he has ever had, and how it had chili in it to spice it up. He wouldn’t stop, so I asked him if they now had gluten-free because every time I saw these girls at a show they never did. This time was a YES! So I went down to get my chocolate gluten-free and organic cupcake. Wow, mine too was one of the best cupcakes I’d ever eaten. So I was curious if they did weddings so I could grab a couple of business cards from them to add to my collection of reputable vendors I walked down to ask. They told me that they used to do weddings, but they don’t anymore **in fact** they are way to busy that they are only doing two more shows and then closing their business. {WHAT?} They are too busy so they are closing? They could cut down on their day jobs, or sell their recipes, or open up shop and hire people. or just hire people to assist. When I told my husband what they had said he couldn’t believe it. he had to go back and ask them for himself. He told them this “Look, I am a guy, I don’t care about cupcakes, I would never talk about cupcakes… to anyone. But this was seriously the best fricken cupcake I’ve ever had. My wife told me you are closing your doors? I can’t believe it…”

Seriously these organic cupcakes are so good, it’s making my husband and I crazy to think that these girls are closing.

You can contact Three Cheers Cupcakes by writing to ThreeCheersCupcakes@gmail.com and you can follow them on facebook here. Maybe something magical will happen.

This past February I participated in Ottawa’s first indie wedding show Wed by Hand. In my opinion there were a few vendors that really stuck out in creativity and professionalism. Bridget Redmond of {First Kiss Films}is one of them. Since my husband and I never had a cinema documentation of our special day, we plan on doing so when we renew our vows on our 10th anniversary {5 more to go}. In the meantime I may just have to hire her for a small documentary of a jewellery photo shoot. Bridget’s work is beautiful with a classy vintage feel. In her own voice here is what to expect from {First kiss Films}.

Nothing compares to the richness of film – classic, gorgeous and decidedly flattering. { First Kiss Films } are shot entirely on the beautiful and timeless medium of 8mm and 16mm film stock, in either colour and/or black and white, using traditional cinematic techniques. Your final 5 – 15 minute film will deliver an experience that transports you back to all the emotions you experienced providing an artful and nostalgic retelling of your wedding day. Set entirely to carefully selected music, your wedding film will be an heirloom that you and your family will cherish for generations to come.

Lead filmmaker Bridget Redmond explains the filmmaking journey: “To ensure your wedding film reflects your personality and tells your unique story, I prefer to meet with the bride and groom at least twice before your big day in order to get to know you, your tastes and expectations. During multiple meetings we discuss your film, plan locations, talk about your specific requests and any ‘must have’ shots you would like in the final edit. Each film is unique and the more I know about you, your family and all your wedding day details the better I can create a film that captures your unique story. Once the film is shot it is processed, digitally transferred and edited. When the edit is complete, you’ll receive two finished copies beautifully presented in a stylish DVD package.”

Bridget knows how excited newlyweds can be to see their wedding film so {First Kiss Films} are available within 45 days of your event instead of the 90 day standard.

You can *WIN 2 free tickets* to attend the Toronto Clothing Show on May 14-16th by simply adding a comment on why you would wear {ECO} jewellery. The winner will be chosen and posted next Tuesday.

This will be the first time for chelsy annejewellery to participate at the Clothing Show. Please stop by our stylish & modern booth #700 with your reclaimed silver chain(s) to receive $5 off any chelsy anne piece of jewellery at the show.

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of sitting down for tea with wedding coordinator Allison Turner from live love plan. Along with Allison’s warm & bubbly personality she has an amazing approach to weddings. Many of you like myself have had small weddings with your own DIY approach, and I am sure many of you wish that at least at one point of the event you had someone there with you guiding you in some way. I did everything myself, and it was tough! Allison can be there for you as much or as little as you need her. In retro spec I wish I had met her 6 years ago to assist my husband and I with our 41 guest wedding. In {her own voice} here is exactly what to expect when working together;

Bring your old silver chain to chelsy anne and receive a discount of $5 off any piece of jewellery. Limit 6 per person. Can’t make it to the show? Follow this link to find out how you can still trade in your silver chains for $5 discounts on chelsy anne jewellery.

So I wasn’t sure what to expect last night as this was my first networking event in the industry. This was my second time having exposure in the wedding field and I am once again inspired to host an event with my new partner in creativity Erin Carmicheal designer/owner of full bloomfloral design.

Erin has an amazing eco-friendly approach to her work, here is a snip from her website describing the details in her own words…

Full Bloom Floral Design focuses on special events and weddings with an eco approach by using local Ontario product and recycled materials when we can. We are also happy to offer suggestions on how to make your event a green one.

The Eternal Tree

When using us for your wedding florals, Full Bloom has created The Eternal Tree in an effort to pay it back to the environment and to decrease our carbon footprint. Following your wedding we will plant a tree seedling in your honor to symbolize the eternal love and strength of your marriage. Via email, you will receive a photo and a map to where your tree is located so you are able to visit your Eternal Tree and watch it grow along with your marriage.

Reduce – Reuse – Recycle

We realize the power that flowers have and feel they can bring cheer to those who need it most. In lieu of guest favors, tell your guests that the flowers from your event will be donated to brighten someone’s day. Once your event is over, we will arrange for the flowers from your event to be sent with a personalized card in your honor to the organization of your choice.

To me, spring is when everything gets a second chance at a new beginning. That is why I think it’s my favorite time of year, my fresh start at something that could have gotten dull over the winter. This Earth day is extra special because it now involves my daughter Riley. I plan on teaching her how to plant some flowers for the butterflies.

For myself, I have come up with a manageable list of things I will improve on to be more sustainable.

* take an organic vegetable gardening course so I can grow my own crops in the backyard {just started on Sunday}

*buy 1 or 2 cortland apple trees to enjoy in our yard

*air dry our laundry {started yesterday, so many socks!}

*hang some dried eucalyptus in the shower to freshen and clean the stuffy bathroom air

*stock both freezers so they are full {with ice if not food} to save on total energy needed to keep items cold

*stop buying paper napkins and be really conscience about using cloth instead

New update for this site, as of April 20th I will be launching a regular spot for Tuesdays and Thursdays. The focus for Tuesdays will be {eco} anything from hotels, fashion, design and home could fall under this category. Thursdays will be focused on {weddings} anything from vendors, location, inspiration and chelsy anne jewellery could fall under this category. Now that there is more of a consistency in my work and family life I will now be able to commit to this blog and you the readers. Enjoy the new posts to follow.

So this is the big launch week of chelsy annedot com shop. I have been slowly getting ready for this day. Not all products are up yet, but it is looking great. Special thanks to my dear friend Helena Achia for helping me put this together. Stay tuned for the viewing.

I was able to make a Kawaii themed wish list in Etsy’s treasury yesturday. I love this stuff. Now that my daughter is going on 18 months, it’s pretty cute watching how she plays. I’ve bought her the kitty crayons and the fun plate for Christmas…The rest is up to you to buy for her. Haha.

So where have you been all this time, you must be thinking. It has been quite some time since I wrote about other artists or about my own creations. The last month my husband has been away for work and I have been struggling with my 1 year daughter just trying to keep the house clean. I haven’t had much time to work on jewellery but I have been starting a new collection that is more spiritually focused. It will be launching soon… As well I have a shop on Poppy Talk and I will be introducing some eco-friendly mixed media next month for their *Home Sweet Home* edition.

Time to celebrate, spread the word and…SHOP. To all my fellow Canadians I ‘m offering free shipping to anywhere in Canada, all other countries your second item(s) will have free shipping. Help me spread the word about iheartchelsyanne, you can find me on Facebook and Twitter just look up that exact spelling…and please tell all your friends ^_^

A few weeks ago I was in a major crunch to complete my home studio, as I was a featured Artist on a tv show called Ottawa Living, on Rogers cable 22. They came to my house to film, so my home studio had to be camera worthy! This is how it turned out…

A fashionable and convertable necklace that may be worn as a chunky chocker by feeding the snake chain through the silver hoop and attaching the clasp at the opposite end of stones. Or by simply attaching the clasp of the snake chain to the silver hoop, making the necklace long and sleek.

The *Solid Series* will always consit of an 18″ silver snake chain, an assortment of chunky semi-precious stones and the organic silver hoop.

Twenty years ago my sister and I would make our Barbies fight over who got to date Ken, not intentionally, that’s just how we ended up playing. I preffered my Mom’s vintage Barbies over my own, only because I chopped all their hair short and put Vaseline in it to act as a styling product. Sorry Mom, I know you loved those dolls…but you knew how I played so you must have known they would never stay in the same condition as they were when you gave them to me.

So on March 9th is the official celebration, hard to beleive the years have gone by so fast. I wonder if my daughter will ever have interest in Barbie, or any glamour doll that is. Only time will tell.

It’s been a sunny and enjoyable weekend, and now I’m looking forward to comfy and cozy time with my husband before the work week starts up again. These etsy finds are what I would love to be wearing during this sweet quiet time together… Top by fishermans daughter, leggings by bobelly and sleep set by sand maiden.

I’ve always loved the works of Austalian graphic designer Bec Winnel, aka My Charlie Girl. As it turns out we share the same birthday. Here is my all time favorite graphite illustration of hers, *Gisele*.

I’m looking forward to the spring so I can take my baby girl to see the ocean. I feel so complete and at peace with everything when I’m sitting by the water. Could be because I’m a pisces, could be because of the salty breeze, or it could be because of the tranquility of the tiny waves rumbling over pebbles that makes me feel the way I do. It will always be a mystery I love exploring. Here is another photographer, Matt for she hit pause studios featured on etsy. He does polariod transfers. Such a retro and magical feel to these.

Every Birthday since I could remember my dad has always given my sister and I one single rose. It’s so special, at it’s always something that I look forward to. Fushia and white are my favorite to receive.

Since I love arranging flowers, this vase would act as a great focal point for an all white arrangement.

Only a couple of weeks away. I can smell the pages in this new chapter in my life. So crisp and new, I can hardly wait to read them. But patience is one of my gifts. So things will happen when they do.

Imagine how wonderful life would be if I could start the thirties off in a dress like this…Well honestly my husband and my daughter make my life quite wonderful, the dress would just be nice.

So the time has come…I’ve left my little creations in some other hands. The thought is exciting and scary all at once.

I think it’s amazing that when people go to the boutique they can see it right in their face, opposed to searching endlessly on Etsy to find one of my items. Don’t get me wrong I freakn’ love Etsy!!! I just wanted to try something different. So wish me luck in this new chapter.

March 11 is the day…the day I will wake and look into my husband’s sleeping face and wonder where these last nine years together have gone. The day I kiss my daughters feet and realize I have been doing this for nine months. The day I receive phone calls from loved ones wishing me a very happy celebration. The day I unwrap a parcel of creative inspiration. The day the birthday cake will be gluten free. The day I make a wish that will undoubtfully come true. The day I look in the mirror and I am proud of who I see. The day I thank the lucky stars for all that is me. Thirty, what a wonderful place to be.

Wow, so it’s looks as though I have been busy with my beautiful little family this past month…

I’ve been making new mini collections of jewellery, using bamboo, shell and various semi precious stones. Some are already posted on Etsy and some are going up in a couple of days or so. I also launched the bridal collection *blush by chelsy anne*. There is more good news to come, you just need to patient…2009 is going to be a great one full of endless creativity for your little hearts to soak up.

These are just two of the *tie the knot* collection. If you know someone who is getting married, please send her my way…wink.

My husband keeps asking me what I want for Christmas, but he said nothing from Etsy because I’m home during the day and I’ll want to open it as soon as it arrives. He told me to write a list, and this is what I wrote;

I feel like I did the week before Riley was born. My life is about to change again and all I feel like I can do is wait…I’m launching a boutique full of wonderful handcrafted jewellery on Etsy. The jewellery is made, everything is set except I don’t want to open shop until I have my business cards. Sure it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but to me it is! I don’t feel comfortable knowing that I had one customer who had something less than the next. I want to achieve a good rep from the start, and I want to be remembered from the start. This so called small business is very serious to me as I will not be returning to my full time job doing visual display (playing with mannequins and props) when my maternity leave is up at the end of March. Pretty scary and exciting knowing that everything I do will effect my own outcome. I set the rules and the pace. There is a chance that the shop won’t be up in time for international Christmas orders but I’m not worried because there are birthdays and other holidays that follow. But people should just be a fan ofchelsy anne regardless…lol I’m starting to feel like a broken record when I talk to other Etsy members…still waiting for my business cards, can’t open shop until I get my business cards… Watch the order go wrong. Now I’m starting to feel a little anxious. HELP. Here is a sneak peak…enjoy and please be patient!

As you can see, my bedroom is pretty blah…Since our baby has been born I haven’t found the time to make the bed, or put laundry away:S The art work has changed as well as the bedding, but does it really matter right now that the bed is never made. What I want to do is flip the bed to the opposite wall, turn this wall into a row of dressers, paint the walls, change the exhisting white curtains to woven shade with a colour accent fabric on top. Have some hanging plants infront of the very large window. I’ve been wanting to change this for awhile now, Christmas just seems right! Check out design sponge where I found some inspiration, I love the surfer clock!!!

I know that I should be starting my Christmas shopping, I’ve been looking through Etsy for perfect gifts for my sisters and parents and I came across this print *see legs by boopsie daisy* that is going to look o-some in my home office! Maybe I’ll wrap it up and put it under the tree, and I’ll say that my baby daughter gave it to me…yeah that’s what I’ll do. Thanks Riley girl, Mommy loves you! xox

So as I’ve been making my jewellery, I’ve started designing as few collections at once, mostly due to the stone selections. In this process I have officially decided and launched a sister brand, *blush by chelsy anne*. This is all wedding jewellery and accessories. It wasn’t planned, but I think it’s definitely the right decision! Both my little boutiques will be on Etsy. Not yet, please be patient! I’m still in the process of packaging and branding. Soon my lovelies, soon!

In preparation to sell on etsy, I have made some recent purchases in different genres to see how professional people are with their shop. So far I have received two items in the mail. I could tell immediately by the packaging who took their work seriously and who does this on the side.

I’ve got a table with a beautiful mess of jewels and silver wire, packaging boxes are on order, six necklaces and six pairs of earrings are made from the new collection…it’s all starting to come together. I don’t want to post pictures just yet though…mysterious ways.